My Reflections on Everything Everywhere All at Once

Everything Everywhere All at Once—A film that made history. 

With over 250 awards including seven Oscars in the bag, Michelle Yeoh, who starred as the protagonist, became the first Asian woman to win the Academy Awards for best actress.

But I am not here today to write a film review, nor am I here to analyze the movie. I’d just like to share my reflections after having a conversation with my friend over the film.

Everything Everywhere All at Once was produced on a low budget. To illustrate my point, one of the scenes was simply two rocks ‘speaking’ to each other in silence. 

Photo by Vanity Fair

This scene goes on for two minutes, with captions displaying the conversation. Those who don't appreciate it will think, "What the heck is this scene about?". 

The film is also a far cry from an action packed movie. While there were considerable amounts of visual effects included, it paled in comparison to those of Marvel. 

So how did such a low budget and simple film garner so many awards? My friend reasoned that the film told a story that resonated with the desires of people today. 

Everything Everywhere All at Once speaks of the brewing tension between a mother, Evelyn Quan (played by Michelle Yeoh) and her daughter, Joy Wang (played by Stephanie Hsu). Their differences had strained the relationship, and this tension served as a backstory of why Evelyn travelled across different universes to save Joy. 

Photo by Sivaa Tangai Raju on Yahoo!finance

In one of the concluding scenes, Evelyn finally reconciles with her daughter. She accepts Joy for who she is despite their differences. 

"No matter what, I still want to be here with you. I will always, always, want to be here with you". 

This line made me reflect about what truly matters in life. The film was poignant in highlighting how I often fail to regard relationships as the thing that matters at the end of the day. 

Evelyn had to put on many hats and led a tough life. Yet despite the challenges, burdens and emotional turmoil, Evelyn never gave up on her family, especially on her daughter, Joy.   

I also appreciate how the film was unapologetic in portraying the tensions and messiness in a relationship. 

The truth is, relationships (including family ties) are not easy to manage. It requires sacrifices and patiently working through misunderstandings. But we choose to hold on to the other person, because he or she is worth the time, energy and effort. Because we love the other person.  

When we think about closed ones who have passed on, we seldom remember their achievements or way of life. Rather, we cherish the memories we once shared with this person and the bond forged. 

I often find myself worried about the future. In this ever changing world, the things I need to achieve in order to survive and keep up with my peers can feel like a never ending to-do list. 

But Everything Everywhere All at Once reminded me that what ultimately matters is relationships. 

Photo by A24

We live in a world filled with volatility, uncertainty, complexity and ambiguity (VUCA), where change is the only constant. Instead of getting caught in the rat race of survival, let’s channel our time and energy on building and managing relationships that lead to a meaningful and fulfilling life.

Because ultimately, the only thing that matters is relationships.